The Great Boot vs. Trail Runner Debate

If you spend any time in hiking forums, you’ll eventually stumble into the boot vs. trail runner argument. It’s the hiking equivalent of a holy war, and both sides have strong opinions. Here’s my take after years of trying both.

Boots are what I wore on the West Coast Trail and most of my early backcountry trips. Full ankle support, waterproof membranes, stiff soles. They’re heavy, they take forever to dry, and they need to be broken in. But on rough terrain with a heavy pack, they give you a level of stability and protection that trail runners just can’t match. When you’re scrambling over wet rocks and roots on the WCT with 35 pounds on your back, you want that ankle support.

Trail runners are what a lot of thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers have switched to. They’re lighter, more comfortable out of the box, and they dry faster. The trade-off is less ankle support and less protection from rocks and roots. For day hikes and lighter backcountry trips, I’ve started using them more. For anything with a heavy pack or really gnarly terrain, I still reach for boots.

The honest answer? It depends on the trip. There’s no single “best” option.

What Actually Matters in Hiking Footwear

Fit Over Everything

The most expensive, highest-rated shoe in the world is garbage if it doesn’t fit your foot. I learned this the hard way — I once bought a pair based entirely on online reviews and they gave me blisters on both heels within the first hour. Meanwhile, a mid-range pair I tried on a whim at an outdoor shop fit like a glove and lasted me three seasons.

Go to a store. Try them on. Walk around for at least 15 minutes. Try them with the socks you’ll actually hike in. Your feet swell during the day, so shop in the afternoon. And make sure you have about a thumb’s width of space in front of your toes — your feet will slide forward on downhills and you’ll lose toenails if your shoes are too short. (Ask me how I know.)

Traction

This matters more than most people realize. A shoe can be comfortable, waterproof, and lightweight, but if it can’t grip wet rock, you’re going to have a bad time. Look for shoes with deep, multi-directional lugs. Vibram outsoles are generally the gold standard, but there are other good options out there.

I’ve slipped on wet roots enough times to be picky about this. On coastal trails like the WCT, where everything is perpetually damp, traction is the difference between a fun day and a trip to the ER.

Waterproofing (Maybe)

Here’s a controversial take: waterproof hiking shoes aren’t always better. Yes, they keep water out — for a while. But once water gets in (and it will, eventually — a deep puddle, a stream crossing, rain coming in from the top), waterproof shoes take forever to dry. Non-waterproof shoes get wet faster but dry in a fraction of the time.

For trips in the Pacific Northwest or anywhere consistently wet, I go waterproof. For summer trips in the Rockies where creek crossings are the main water hazard, I’ve started going non-waterproof and just accepting wet feet. They dry by lunch.

Weight

Every ounce on your feet is worth roughly five on your back — that’s the old backpacking rule of thumb. Heavy boots will tire your legs out faster over a long day. But lighter shoes offer less protection. It’s a trade-off, and the right balance depends on the terrain and your pack weight.

For reference, my boots weigh about 900 grams each. My trail runners are around 350 grams. Over a 20-kilometre day, that difference is noticeable.

Break-In Period

Boots need to be broken in. Trail runners generally don’t. If you’re buying boots for a trip, get them at least a month before and wear them on progressively longer hikes. I cannot stress this enough — blisters on day one of a multi-day trip can ruin the whole experience.

My Current Rotation

I’m not going to pretend to have tested every shoe on the market, but here’s what I’m currently using and why:

For heavy backcountry trips: A mid-cut waterproof hiking boot. Stiff sole, good ankle support, Vibram outsole. These are my go-to for anything with a heavy pack or technical terrain. They’re not light, but they’ve handled everything from the WCT to rocky scrambles in Kananaskis without complaint.

For day hikes and light overnights: A lightweight trail runner. Breathable mesh upper, aggressive tread, no waterproofing. Comfortable right out of the box, great on dry trails, and light enough that my legs feel fresh at the end of the day.

For shoulder season / wet conditions: A low-cut waterproof hiking shoe. Kind of a middle ground between boots and trail runners. Waterproof membrane, decent ankle coverage without being a full boot, good traction. These are what I grab when the weather is iffy.

Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me

• Invest in good socks. Merino wool hiking socks make a bigger difference than most people expect. Cotton is the enemy.
• Bring camp shoes. After a long day on the trail, getting out of your hiking shoes and into sandals or lightweight camp shoes is one of life’s great pleasures.
• Rotate your shoes. If you hike frequently, having two pairs and alternating lets each pair dry and decompress between trips. They’ll last longer.
• Replace them before they’re done. Once the tread is worn smooth or the midsole is compressed, the shoe isn’t doing its job anymore. Don’t wait for them to literally fall apart.
• Gaiters are underrated. They keep rocks, dirt, and water out of your shoes. I didn’t use them for years and now I won’t hike without them.

Bottom Line

Don’t overthink it. Try on a bunch of shoes, pick the ones that fit best, and go hike in them. The best hiking shoe is the one that lets you forget about your feet and focus on the trail. Everything else is secondary.